KITGUM, February 23, 2026 — Labongo Amida Subcounty in Kitgum district is pinning its hopes on coffee farming as a potential economic lifeline, with 48 more farmers applying for 14,900 seedlings to cultivate 33.2 acres of land.
According to Jacob Okema, the Labongo Amida Subcounty Agricultural Officer, only five farmers in the area ventured into coffee production in 2022, but their plantations have struggled due to limited training and technical support.
He said the list of prospective growers will be forwarded to the Ministry of Agriculture, Animal Industry, and Fisheries [MAAIF] for consideration.
Okema noted that the ongoing dry spell presents a significant challenge for aspiring coffee farmers. “Coffee at its early stages requires adequate rainfall and consistent moisture to establish properly. The prolonged drought has made conditions difficult,” he explained, adding that interest is likely to increase once the rainy season begins.
The surge in interest followed a recent training session for coffee farmers held at the sub-county headquarters.
Francis Oneka of Mawoko North Village, who has previously practised mixed farming — growing simsim, maize and sorghum, said the crop’s profitability persuaded him to diversify into coffee. “I have already prepared my one-acre garden to begin coffee production,” he said.
Mr Oneka hopes that coffee will generate higher returns than his current ventures. He plans to begin with one acre and gradually expand as yields and income improve, with ambitions of becoming one of the area’s leading producers.
Pauline Abalo, a resident of Oryang Village, said she was motivated by the success stories of established coffee farmers. “The costs of growing other food crops often outweigh the profits,” she said. “Last year, I spent Shs 800,000 on one acre of simsim and earned only Shs 1 million.”
Abalo has applied for 450 seedlings for her one-acre plot and says she may phase out other crops if coffee proves more viable. She believes a successful harvest would provide financial independence and long-term economic stability.
MAAIF has been promoting coffee cultivation across Kitgum district, including the distribution of wilt-resistant seedlings.
Julius Lakareber, an Agricultural Extension Officer with the ministry, recently emphasised that, with appropriate support and resources, coffee farming could become a lucrative enterprise for farmers in Kitgum district.
As government intensifies coffee growing across Uganda, Figures provided by MAAIF show that the country recorded historic coffee export earnings of US$ 2.4 billion [approximately Shs 8.2 trillion] for the 12-month period ending October 2025, driven by high global prices and a 46.96 percent increase in volume.
https://thecooperator.news/kitgum-farmers-in-need-of-value-addition-facilities/
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